Every year, I look forward to Thanksgiving for the gratitude, the family time, and, of course, the food. I reflected on my gratitude for last year and I realized that what they say about your 30s is true. Things just keep getting a bit better, despite life’s curve balls, and 2018 was full of those.
Last year, I took a new job, but experienced turmoil and uncertainty because of budgetary reasons. However, the outcome was better than I hoped, and I found myself in my dream job. I love what I do, love the learning I’m experiencing, and am excited with the outcome potentials!
David and I experienced a tremendous setback, had to replace to major appliances, but we constantly found support in each other through transitions and disappointments. He has been my constant and I couldn’t ask for a better partner to pick me up when I’m down. Just look at this sweetness from a recent blog collaboration, where he and the boys came and surprised me with flowers and a little hug.








Our parents have been great, loving, and supportive. Grad school has been busier than ever, and they have helped when they could. My two sweet boys are still the bright spot in my day every day. They are the best boys and their loyalty and love is everything I need at the end of a long day.
I can never actually say thank you enough to my friends as well. This year has been held a personal journey on setting boundaries and saying no to more things. Where I used to be glued to my phone, now, I am barely remembering to check it. Friends have been supportive and given me the space I’ve needed or the love that I’ve needed. Those are the best type, for sure.
We had the opportunity to travel to new places and experience things together, like our trip to Lakeview at Fontana and New York City. Our house is starting to feel more and more like our home, and salvaging wood from my grandparent’s barn helped contribute to that.
This space constantly surprises me. I am grateful for the support you provide by coming to this space. I love sharing my experiences across North Carolina with you, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to do that. I had no idea that this was even possible when I started blogging in 2008, so I am eternally grateful.
I hope you have a lovely holiday with your family and friends and that you have time to consider what you are grateful this year, too. I’ll see you back here on Friday for my favorite post of the year, my favorite local businesses, experiences, and products just in time for Small Business Saturday!
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!